Welcome to the 2025 Good Philadelphia Citizen Calendar, full of good things to do in Philly, all year long. This month-by-month list has civic holidays, neighborhood festivals, historic Philadelphia traditions, and dozens of opportunities to engage with your city.
But truth be told, you can be a good citizen any day of the year: Sweep your block. Donate a book to a little free library. Donate your time to any kind of shelter. Buy a box of overpriced candy from a kid on the subway. Lend a hand to someone who could use it. Patronize a local business. Get out there. Participate in our city. Mark down these civic holidays and Philly-centric events, to make this year in Philadelphia your — and our — best year, ever.
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JANUARY 2025
January 1: Own Mummers Day
The rest of the world calls January 1 New Year’s Day. But on the first day of the year, when thousands of working-class grown-ups from South and Northeast Philadelphia — and much of South Jersey — dress up like modest versions of Vegas showgirls and parade drunkenly up Broad Street then down Two Street — or stay sober while dancing on those streets and playing banjos, saxophones, etc., or performing quite incredible dance routines at the Convention Center — much of Philadelphia proves that we are nothing like the rest of the world. To us, New Year’s Day is Mummers Day.
January 1: Make a Resolution (or Just Read other Philadelphians’ Resolutions)
Resolutions don’t work? Don’t tell that to these 17 Philadelphians, civic heroes whom The Philadelphia Citizen has honored as Citizen of the Year, Integrity Icon, Rad Girl of the Year, and more.
All January: Start a Mentorship during National Mentoring Month
Wait. You’re not a mentor? We can hook you up. Sign up to change a young life with Independence Big Brothers Big Sisters, or Mighty Writers, or Minds Matter Philadelphia, or PowerCorpsPHL, for starters.
January 6: Choose Democracy
On the fourth anniversary of the coup on the U.S. Capitol that almost succeeded, remind yourself: Democracy is fragile. Democracy needs all of us to participate in order to survive. Here are a few ways you can help keep our city, state and country strong and free.
January 17: Get Historic on Benjamin Franklin’s Birthday
Dude may have had his flaws, but Franklin definitely knew how to party — and how to turn a phrase. Give ol’ BF props by tossing a penny on his grave at 5th and Arch streets, walking through his Venturi-designed ghost house between 3rd and 4th and Market and Chestnut streets, or just going “early to bed.”
January 20: Take Part in the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service
The whole country — finally — celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day. But Philly still does it biggest and best. Sign up to volunteer at any of dozens of projects on January 20: Repaint a school hallway, sort food or clothing donations, pick up trash in a park, read a book to preschoolers. So many parks, rec centers, libraries, neighborhoods and schools — including YouthBuild Charter, whose students will work this year to spruce up Richard R. Wright Elementary in Strawberry Masnion — need your help.
January 29: Celebrate the Lunar New Year
There is literally no holiday more delicious than this one, which, if you celebrate by dining on dim sum or duck in Chinatown, you’ll likely catch a lion parade and street fireworks. Go. The neighborhood’s had another year, and would certainly love your patronage. (P.S. It’s the Year of the Snake.)
FEBRUARY 2025
February 1: Take Kids to the African American Children’s Book Fair
One of the biggest days of the year for book lovers is this one, when Black authors and illustrators from across the nation come to meet young readers and read and sign books, and shoppers fill their arms with tomes to last the year. You’ll meet the next Jason Reynolds or Jacqueline Woodson (or maybe the real ones). This is biggest such event on the East Coast. And, it’s a glorious sight to behold. PA Convention Center, February 1 from 1 to 4pm.
February 4: Honor Rosa Parks and Caroline LeCount on Transit Equity Day
Rosa Parks was not the first Black American woman to inspire a bus boycott. That was 19th-century Philadelphian Caroline LeCount, who is extremely overdue for a statue — but who recently, at long last, is getting her own street. But Parks’ simple and defiant act inspired a 20th-century movement, and that movement inspired work to change for the better. So, ride a SEPTA bus, subway or train. Have a seat. Make room for another rider. Thank your driver.
February 18 through March 11: Run for Judge of Elections — or Inspector.
Seriously, the City of Philadelphia wants you to work the primary (May 20) and the general election (November 4) — during a year when millions fewer dollars will be spent on campaigns and with historically lower voter turnout. You have three weeks to get a handful (a small handful) of signatures in order to run for these two-day-a-year paid positions. Do it.
February 22: Register to Vote on Octavius Catto’s Birthday
On this day in 1839, Octavius V. Catto, aka Caroline LeCount’s partner, was born. Catto would go on to serve in the National Guard, recruit other African Americans to serve in the military, help establish Philadelphia’s Negro League Baseball (go Pythians), worked to integrate streetcars, and was assassinated after exercising his sacred right to vote. You know what you need to do: Register. To. Vote.
February 28 through March 29: Be Extra Kind to Muslim Friends: Ramadan is here.
Fasting from sunup to sundown for a full month inspires reflection and even community building. It does not, however, come easily. Go easy on your Muslim colleagues, friends, neighbors and fellow citizens.
MARCH 2025
March 1 through 9: Breathe Deep at the Philadelphia Flower Show
The Pennsylvania Horticultural Society (PHS) is bringing back the world’s largest indoor flower show. Your $40-$50 adult admission, pricey though it may be, does help fund the org’s greening of our fair city, which could use a few more trees, to be sure. PA Convention Center, 1101 Arch Street
March through May: Give Away Your Gown (or Tux):
Truth: No way you — or your kid — wears that frock / penguin suit ever again. Give it to the Career Wardrobe in Philly and Upper Darby. (Special request for XL-5XL dresses and size 10-14 women’s formal shoes).
March 10: Buy a Book at a Black-Owned Bookshop on Harriett Tubman Day
When this day becomes a federal holiday, you can thank bookstore owner Jeannine Cook, who named her Fishtown shop after Tubman, named her Collingswood, NJ location after Ida B. Wells, and started a movement (and a petition) to make March 10 the first American holiday recognizing a Black woman. And shop at Harriett’s and Ida’s.
March 24: Eat a Whiz Wit on National Cheesesteak Day
Anywhere you find yourself, be it the meccas of Pat’s and Geno’s, the hidden gems like John’s Roast Pork or Angelo’s, or your corner papi store.
March 31: Catch the Phillies Home Opener
Opening day is usually too cold to be outside. We’ll brave the chill, because we believe. Go Phils! Beat the Rockies! The game is much always sold out, but tickets are (also always) available on Stubhub. (Game time: 3:05pm.)
APRIL 2025
April 3-13: Get your Stage Fix during Philly Theatre Week
All across and beyond town, small to large theaters offer reduced prices and extra shows to inspire you to check out what’s onstage in Philly.
April 5 and 6: Savor Spring at the Cherry Blossom Festival
Shofuso — the 17th-century-style Japanese house and garden gifted to Philadelphia in 1953 — remains one of the hidden gems of Fairmount Park. Except, that is, over one weekend, when everyone gathers beneath pink cherry blossoms to celebrate Japanese culture.
April 11: Help an Animal on National Pet Day
Every human companion to a pet knows: Fur babies are the best babies. Philadelphia has long struggled to shelter all of our city’s un-homed animals. Here are 10 ways you can help, ranging from low-commitment — Take a dog for a walk! Donate used towels! Take a cat’s photo! — to the lifechangers, like adopting a new barking or meowing family member.
Mid-April (dates TBA): : Clean Up Our City!
Philadelphia’s citywide cleanup, typically takes place 9am to 2pm on a Saturday. Take part in the 17th annual such event by signing up here — or DIYing.
April 20: Catch South Street’s Epic Easter Promenade
The 92nd-such procession includes fancy bonnets (hats) and folks in their Sunday best (and a contest to prove it). From 5th and South streets.
April 22: Fight Climate Change on Earth Day
Here are more more than 50 ways to save Planet Earth, mostly easy:
April 24 through 26: Catch Up with the Penn Relays
The oldest (and arguably best) track and field competition in the nation takes place every year among middle schoolers through seniors — with plenty of future Olympians and NCAA stars in-between) at the University of Pennsylvania’s Franklin Field.
April 25: Show Your True Colors for the Phanatic’s Birthday
Before there was Gritty, there was this green, Galápogan big-bellied, silly-snouted creature, still the best mascot in all of baseball. For all the joy you’ve given us (since 1978!), Phillie Phanatic, we thank you. Feel free to sit on us during a home game.
April 28 through May 2: Take Part in National Youth Violence Prevention Week
No need to tell any Philadelphian about what’s happening with our kids. Too many children — because that’s what they are — are becoming victims and culprits of violence, most notably, gun violence. We can’t keep blaming parents. We need to fix this ourselves. Here’s how:
MAY 2025
May 3: Read the News on World Press Freedom Day
Pick up a newspaper: Maybe the Philadelphia Daily News or Philadelphia Tribune, or an Inquirer. Make a donation to a nonprofit newsroom that’s actively working to solve seemingly intractable Philadelphia problems … like, oh, I don’t know, The Philadelphia Citizen?
May 5: Last Day to Register to Vote Before the Primary Election on May 20
May TBA: Support Runners at the Broad Street Run
You could stand between Central and the Navy Yard, cheering on the 40,000 runners, maybe even seeing a friend among them. Or, you could join them. Run with Back on My Feet, which helps people going through crisis through … running. Or sponsor a youth runner from Girls on the Run or Students Run Philly Style.
May 5 to 9: Do an Educator a Solid during Teacher Appreciation Week
Some believe a solid education, fueled by teachers and support staff who double as mentors, is the most essential solution of all. Shoutout to all the educators who look after our kids from pre-K to post-grad. Here are some ways to help teachers (and therefore students) here in Philly.
May 10 and 11: Shop for Mom at Art Star Bazaar
Art Star’s annual shopping event has become a Mother’s Day weekend tradition in Philadelphia, where crafters from across the country come to vend handmade wares. It’s not to be missed.
May 13: Last Day to Request a Mail-In or Absentee Ballot Before the Primary Election on May 20.
May 17: Ride (or Run, or Walk) like an Eagle at the Eagles Autism Challenge
We’ve got a whole lot to be proud of in our one-and-only NFL team. One of the many off-the-field reasons to love our Birds: The good they do in our community and around the world. The Eagles’ biggest effort: Find a cure for and improve the lives of people with autism. So far, they’ve raised millions toward this goal.
Folks who fundraise enough (starting at $250) can take part in the team’s annual Autism Challenge, with options to bike, run, or take part in a sensory walk.
May 17 and 18: Climb the Greased Pole (or just watch) at the S. 9th Street Italian Market Festival
It’s loud. It’s crowded. There’s a greased pole that’s pretty much daring every post-championship pole climber to tackle it, en masse. There’s live and DJ’ed music. And, cannoli. And giant pineapple drinks and lines out the doors of Di Bruno Bros, Claudio’s, Fante’s … It’s slightly obnoxious and kinda blissful.
May 20: Vote in the Primary Election
Polls are open from 7am to 8pm.
May 25 through July 6: Catch the Philadelphia Latino Film Festival
You see that date right: There are so many films to screen and see, the PHLAFF needs more than a month to put them on, host panels about them, and celebrate them in parties across the city.
May 26: Honor Fallen Military on Memorial Day
Memorial Day began after the Civil War to honor members of the military who lost their lives in battle. Should you be feeling patriotic and / or grateful for the sacrifices made by service members and the people who loved them, pay your respects at Philadelphia National Cemetery in West Oak Lane at 6909 Limekiln Pike.
May 31 and June 1: Come Back to The Roots Picnic
We’re not mad The Roots are also picnicking at the Hollywood Bowl this summer. Because they’re doing it here first, where they always do, at the Mann. Stay tuned for details about performances and prices.
JUNE 2025
ALL JUNE: CELEBRATE PRIDE.
June TBA: Savor The Roots Picnic
The band has said they’re bringing it back to Philly (they’ve already announced their show at the Hollywood Bowl). And they best.
June 14: Do Up Odunde.
This proud, woman-founded, extra lively West South Street tradition merges African and African American traditions into unbridled Black joy on the Second Sunday in June.
June 19: Celebrate Juneteenth — and Feel Great About It.
It’s been three years since President Biden made Juneteenth a federal holiday, giving all Americans the opportunity to celebrate the end of slavery. Take this opportunity to visit the African American Museum in Philadelphia, support Black-owned businesses that do good, catch a parade — or to just listen.
June 22: Head to West Philly’s Epic Juneteenth Parade.
The annual parade — planned for the concourse across from the Mann Center — is a jubilant who’s who of Black Philadelphia and culminates in a family-friendly festival at Malcolm X Park.
JULY 2025
July 4: Catch the Fireworks on Independence Day
The city’s tourism bureaus like to say, “The city that did it first, does it best.” Well, Philly’s certainly done it longest. Welcome America is a multi-day, event-filled run-up to Independence Day, replete a morning parade (11am along E. Market Street), concerts and fireworks, including the biggest of the year over the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
The Fourth of July Perspectives We Need Right Now
July 9, 16, 23 and 30: Hear Music Outside the Penn Museum
The University of Pennsylvania opens its museum’s historic courtyard for Garden Jams most Wednesdays in July from 5 to 8pm, inviting the local global music acts to play — and inviting you to the outdoor bar. Museum admission included. $15. 3260 South Street
Mid-July through late August (dates TBA): Enjoy The Oval
Thursdays through Sundays, Eakins Oval, the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s across-the-street neighbor, becomes The Oval, a pop-up park featuring mini golf, live performances, food trucks, festivals, and, on Sundays, family activations. 2451 Ben Franklin Parkway
July 31 through August 3: Attend BlackStar Film Festival
Now in its 14th year, this 100-film, three-theater festival is about more than the screen. It’s about the gathering BIPOC members of the film industry, and film lovers in general. It’s also about accessibility. And wellness. Don’t miss BlackStar. Last year’s price for an all-access festival pass was $350, and virtual screening pass: $175; individual event and screening ticket prices vary.
AUGUST 2025
August 9 and 10: Bug Out at BugFest.
City dwellers, more than others, tend to shy away from 80 percent of the earth’s species — insects. The Academy of Natural Sciences aims to calm nerves, open minds and maybe even help save the planet with its annual weekend long BugFest, taking place indoors and outdoors.
SEPTEMBER 2025
September 1: Give Unions a Fair Shake On Labor Day.
Unions get a bad rap. Some of us blame … gangsters. But, to review some American history, workers created unions as protection against on-the-job exploitation and discrimination. Here, a union president argues why we still need them. Also, go to a parade on and festival, hosted by the Sheet Metal Workers Union, from 8:30am to 2pm, starting at 1301 and ending at 101 S. Columbus Boulevard.
September 15: Recognize Democracy Day.
“Democracy,” the saying goes, “is not a spectator sport.” As the The Washington Post’s Jennifer Rubin told us at an Ideas We Should Steal Festival, “Unless you participate, it’s going to fail. Run for office. Join a campaign. Don’t just give money. Don’t just write a check. Subscribe to a newspaper. Do something. Become a political participant.”
OCTOBER 2025
October 13: Honor Indigenous People.
All of Philadelphia was once the domain of the Lenni Lenape. On this, the day that used to be Columbus Day, we have a chance to celebrate them. Here’s how:
October 18: Join the Philly Bike Ride.
The city shuts down 20 miles of streets — including streets around historic sites — to vehicular traffic and opens it up to thousands of cyclists of all ages and abilities for the annual fundraiser for the Bicycle Coalition of Greater Philadelphia. Taking part isn’t cheap, but the fee goes to supporting safer bike lanes and such in our car-clogged city. Register here. Starts at 7:30am at Eakins Oval.
October 11 + 12 and 18 + 19: Go on an Open Studio Tour
For two weekends — and the 26th year — the Center for Emerging Visual Artists invites Philadelphia artists to open their work spaces to the public. Drawing back the curtain on the artistic process, makers of fine arts share their secrets and inspirations. The first weekend, tours take place in art studios East of Broad Street. The second, they’re West of Broad.
October 20: Hurry! It’s Your Last Day To Register to Vote before the General Election!
Pennsylvania gives eligible residents — ages 18 and over — the chance to register to vote for up to 15 days before an election. This makes October 20 the last day to register before Election Day on November 4. As a Philadelphian, as a citizen, this is one of the most crucial things to do. So, do it.
October 28: Hurry! It’s the Last Day to Request a Mail-In or Absentee Ballot Before the General Election on November 4
NOVEMBER 2025
November 1: Eat Your Veggies on World Vegan Day
Didya know that Philadelphia has one of the highest ranked vegan restaurants … in the world? Vedge sure is a treat. But you can also get your vegan on at Monster Vegan, Bar Bombón, HipCityVedge, The Tasty, LUHV, The Nile Cafe, Miss Rachel’s Pantry, Fitz on 4th, Charlie was a sinner …
November 4: It’s Election Day. Vote for the next District Attorney of Philadelphia, and more.
If you haven’t already, do it. Polls are open from 7am to 8pm.
November 5: Show Your Philly Pride on Jason Kelce’s Birthday
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Philadelphians don’t often adopt out-of-towners as one of our own. Kelce keeps being one of our favorite exceptions.
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November 8: Run like Rocky
The annual Rocky Run offers participants options: a 5K, a 10 miler, or a half marathon around town. Of course, the route could never follow Balboa’s, since his wasn’t filmed in geographic order. But you can enter as a group and dedicate your jog to the Special Olympics.
November 27: Give Thanks by … Giving
Thank those Philadelphians who are making this city a greater city for all. Then, take some time to honor those in need. Here are some ways to do that:
November 29: Shop Small Saturday in Philadelphia
We’ve got some of the best urban main streets — although few go by that name — in the country. Choose one. Or more. Buy stuff there.
DECEMBER 2025
December 3: Celebrate Rocky Day
On December 3, 1976, a little film called Rocky made its big-screen debut. Last year, December 3 officially became “Rocky Day,” Sylvester Stallone and all. Celebrate by running up and down the art museum steps, boxing some frozen beef, or shouting “Yo Adrian!” during your commute. 2600 Benjamin Franklin Parkway (at the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps)
December 7: Write a Letter
On National Letter Writing Day, think about someone you’ve been meaning to reach out to — a far-away friend, grandparent, sibling, anyone you’ve lost touch with — and take a few minutes to send them a card or drop them a line.
December 21: It’s Quinta Brunson’s Birthday. Respect your Teachers.
The creator and star of Abbott Elementary made us fall in love again with Philadelphia’s public schools, warts and all — but especially with Philly educators. You know what they like: Gift cards for school supplies … and coffee shops.
December 26 through January 1: Join One of the Oldest Kwanzaa Celebrations in the Country. (And Bake Cookies.)
That’s here, in Philadelphia, in case you didn’t know. Listen to Tonya “Food Griot” Hopkins’ podcast about the history of the holiday in Philly. Then start the festivities in the best way: Bake Kwanzaa cookies.
MORE THINGS TO DO AND WAYS TO GET INVOLVED IN PHILADELPHIA
A Lunar New Year celebration in Chinatown. Photo by M. Edlow for Visit Philadelphia.